For decision makers
Improve the systems around young people.
A fuller picture of housing instability can help Franklin County leaders ask better questions before choosing a response.
The decision in front of us
A count of service contacts is not a count of everyone who needs housing.
Children Services records and crisis line calls or chats describe different points of contact. They do not establish how many young people need stable housing. Those staying temporarily with friends or relatives may not appear in formal homelessness counts.
Source: 2026 State of Youth report, pp. 9, 14–17, and 78.
Selected at the State of Youth Summit
Three priorities for collective action.
Prevent housing instability before it starts
Connect prevention supports, identify risk earlier, and help families before a housing crisis.
Increase access to stable, affordable housing
Bring government, landlords, developers, and young people together to address housing costs and access.
Strengthen trusted relationships and support networks
Connect young people with trusted adults and reliable organizations, while respecting their control over those relationships.
Source: 2026 State of Youth report, pp. 53–56 and 68–69.
From research to collective action
Turn shared priorities into practical next steps.
At the October 6 Summit, participants developed ideas for prevention, affordable housing, and trusted relationships. The report sets out what success could look like, who needs to be involved, and steps for the next three to six months.
Source: 2026 State of Youth report, pp. 53–56.